Edmonds Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love was injured as a pedestrian, your injuries can be severe and life-changing. Contact an experienced Edmonds pedestrian accident lawyer today for a free consultation. Let our experience work for you.
Being injured as a pedestrian is sometimes very serious and may even result in death. Unfortunately, insurance companies may not take these claims seriously because they occurred at lower speeds or in areas where accidents commonly happen, like driveways and parking lots.
Read Our FREE Pedestrian Accident Guide
Regardless of what an insurance company tells you, if you were injured in a car accident as a pedestrian, you might have a legal claim. Talking to an Edmonds pedestrian accident lawyer is the first step in exploring this option for your unique situation.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Roughly 11 percent of all transportation actually happens on foot. However, pedestrians are involved in 13 percent of all vehicle-related deaths. Why is there a disproportionate amount of fatalities? Pedestrians have very little protection against oncoming traffic, combined with the fact that many drivers are simply not on the lookout for pedestrians as they should be.
The most common reasons that pedestrian accidents happen are:
- Left-hand turns. Drivers that are turning left often have a terrible habit of not looking at what or who will be in their path as they make their turn. Left-hand turns are far more likely to result in accidents compared to right-hand turns, often because there is just more to look out for when you are turning left.
- Cell phones and other electronics. Pedestrians should also refrain from using these devices while they are maneuvering through traffic as well.
- Intoxicated drivers. Drunk drivers have a hard time focusing on the road around them and keep their gaze straight ahead. As a result, they often do not see pedestrians until they are directly in front of their vehicle. In fact, alcohol plays a part in roughly 15 percent of pedestrian collisions.
- Failure to yield. Pedestrians have the right of way in most situations. When a driver does not yield to a walker, it can result in a potentially fatal collision. Failing to yield is also associated with higher speed crashes, which increases the likelihood of serious or life-threatening
Keep in mind that you may have a legal claim, even if you may have been partially to blame for the collision. For example, if you were not in a crosswalk at the time of the accident, that may decrease your damages, but it often will not preclude you from starting a lawsuit.
An insurance company may try to downplay your damages in that type of situation, but you may still have a valid legal claim. An Edmonds pedestrian accident lawyer can help you walk through your options.
Does a Pedestrian Always Have the Right of Way?
Pedestrians often have the right of way in traffic, but this is not always the case. Knowing when you have the right of way as a walker is a helpful way to avoid most pedestrian accidents. A foot-traveler will have the right of way when:
- A traffic control device instructs them to walk
- They are crossing the street at an intersection, regardless of whether there is a marked crosswalk
- Walking in crosswalks or on sidewalks
Pedestrians cannot bolt out into traffic and expect that traffic will yield to them. In fact, pedestrians must yield to oncoming traffic at any point other than where there is a marked crosswalk or an intersection.
Nonetheless, vehicles must also exercise “due care” when pedestrians are present. They should take steps to avoid an accident, including sounding their horn, if necessary. If a driver is not careful or cautious and ends up causing you damage, you may have a legal claim for your losses.
Damages Available in a Pedestrian Accident Case
Many of the same damages available in a car accident are permitted in a vehicle-pedestrian accident. These include things like:
- Medical costs
- Lost time away from work
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Generally, there will be no property damage in a pedestrian case, but the other damages in a pedestrian accident can be very severe and add up quickly.
Injuries in a pedestrian accident can be severe. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Brain damage, including traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Lacerations and abrasions
- Back and spine injuries
Because a vehicle will often push you into another object, such as the ground, another car, or a tree, the chances for internal damage increase significantly. It is critical to get medical attention immediately after this type of accident. You may not be able to tell right away just how severely injured you are.
What Should I Do After a Pedestrian Accident?
You should treat your pedestrian accident just like a car accident. That means that your first priority should be to get medical help if you need it. Then, gather information about the driver, including their license plate number, insurance, and contact information. You should also report the incident to the police. The investigating officer can help you gather this data as well.
Do not let the other driver talk you into allowing him or her to drive away. Even if it doesn’t seem like you are seriously injured right now, you may have internal injuries that may creep up later.
Calling the police to the scene will also increase the likelihood that the driver is cited for any error, such as failure to yield to a pedestrian. Having a police report that says that the driver was issued a citation for the very thing that caused your damages can be extremely helpful to your personal injury case.
The officer will also include general observations of the scene and speak with witnesses as well. This initial investigation often saves you and your Edmonds pedestrian accident attorney time and effort when preparing your case. It may also help you settle with the insurance company for a more favorable amount as well. You should always err on the side of calling the police, even if you are unsure.
Call an Edmonds Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
Having an experienced lawyer on your side will increase your likelihood of getting the full amount of money damages that you deserve after this type of accident. Certa Law Group can help. Call us or contact us online to learn more or to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Edmonds pedestrian accident lawyer today.